Asuncion, Paraguay, 27 – 29 February 2012 - IDLO, in partnership with the Inter-institutional Committee against Human Trafficking in Paraguay, is hosting three national and international meetings to strengthen the capacity of public officials engaged in the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

These conferences are part of IDLO and the Office of the Public Prosecutor’s efforts to combat human trafficking in the country.

“Effective investigation, prosecution and punishment are fundamental to protecting victims of trafficking and ensuring their access to justice” said IDLO Director-General Irene Khan. “Human trafficking remains a major problem in this region, which is why continued efforts by the government are crucial to tackling this problem.”

“IDLO’s work is extremely timely as we embark on a five-year Strategic Plan,” said Dr. Teresa Martinez, Prosecutor of Human Trafficking and Child Sexual Exploitation, “the government is ready to play a pivotal role to address human trafficking in Paraguay.”

Background information Paraguay (Tier 2 Watch List) is recognized as a point of origin for victims of human trafficking for both sexual and labor exploitation. Women, children, and indigenous people are particularly at risk of being trafficked. The Government of Paraguay is making significant efforts to comply with minimum standards to eliminate trafficking; greater public awareness and the ability to recognize human trafficking cases will be fundamental in this process.

IDLO’s 15-month project ‘Strengthening Access to Justice and Prosecuting the Crime of Human Trafficking’ is supported by the Dutch government. The Project aims at strengthening the ability to investigate and prosecute cases at the national and regional levels by providing technical assistance to: (i) review current procedural and criminal law related to human trafficking and its harmonization with international standards; (ii) train public officials involved in investigating and prosecuting trafficking cases; (iii) exchange intra-regional practices related to the investigation, prosecution and criminal sanction of human trafficking with officials from Argentina, Brazil, Chile and Colombia.